Cabin Design

This site is located on the north side of Mount Methodology with views of Linearity Lookout and Firmness Farms.  Smart Stream runs through the back of the site flowing out into Reciprocity River.  This site is the latest to be developed in this exclusive estate of architecturally designed houses.  Neighbouring houses include Balaam Residence by Arkhefield, Canoe Reach Residence by Steendyk and Casa Tolo by Alvaro Siza Leite Vieira.  The client for this site is the architect Alvaro Siza who designed Casa Tolo, who asked for a cabin for himself and his wife for short breaks.  

The cabin designed was inspired by Alvaro Siza's Casa Tolo also known as house of stairs.  Like Casa Tolo, the cabin moves with the contours of the land with the use of stairs.  It has been separated into two spaces; public and private.  The public being all living, dining and working spaces, and the private being the bedroom and bathroom.  Alvaro Siza specifically asked for a studio space to allow him to work, but instead of separating this space from the other day use spaces, I decided to place it at the front of the building in with the living and dining spaces, separated by 3 steps.  The garage below has stairs that come up and enter between the kitchen space and living.  In this space as well is a powder room, so that the client does not have to make their way up to the bedroom during the day.  Separated from this space is the bedroom and bathroom, which is separated by seven metres of stairs.  The bedroom sits above the other space, giving the client full views of the Linearity Lookout and Firmness Farms.  The bedroom although only small, has a walk-in robe as well as a decent size bathroom.  This design has been designed as a retreat for the clients.

Elevation - West

Elevation - North

Section

As an environmental filter:

The cabin has been designed to work with the contours of the site, as well as capture the South East Queensland breezes through the wall length glass doors, and windows. Other than the garage, the cabin does not dig into the ground, instead has been built on the ground using Australian native timber. 

As a container of human activities:

It has been designed as a retreat for the clients.  There is space for working but it is more importantly a place for relaxation with emphasis being on the design of the bedroom and living areas.

As a delightful experience:

The client is filled with delight when moving through the cabin.  Although the space is small and humble, there is always the feeling of openness with the wonderful Australian views.  When the client walks out from the living area outside and walks up the steps to the next level, they discover views of the scenery all around.  From the bedroom they can look out and see the landscape, the lower level of the cabin blocking out the view of the street.

Visual Representation